A Class Act: Governor Joe Manchin

The greatest test of leadership often comes from times that one wishes would never happen at all. How a man or woman reacts, makes decisions, and engages with the people demonstrates the kind of leader he is. George W. Bush in September of 2001 could not have performed better. In our state, Governor Joe Manchin has once again shown that he can rise beyond his office and lead in difficult times.

I watched him in a nationally broadcast press conference yesterday. He did not look like a governor and I mean that as a compliment. That means that he was not trying to use the situation as a platform for himself. He allowed the experts to speak first. Then when it was his turn, he carefully explained what the state and company were trying to do to rescue the four who may still live deep within the mine. Manchin's manner and tone came across as a human being with knowledge of the situation and compassion for those involved.

Manchin's activity and involvement are reminiscent of another governor who understood how to approach a crisis. Governor Arch Moore during the flood of 1985, as many around here remember, actively worked to ascertain the needs of this region's communities, appear in person to reassure the victims, then work with the Reagan Administration to get aid in quickly.

This is what state governors are supposed to do. They take the lead in a crisis, they make decisions about how to react, and they do not wait for federal leadership on an issue. Governor Joe Manchin in this instance has done as his supporters expected and should be praised from all sides for his role during this disaster.